1st Meeting

Back in 1995, Professor Kwang-Yul Cha and I shared a dream for a forum in Asia to bring together medical professionals and researchers from this region of the world to exchange ideas, present their latest research findings, and share their expertise in the field of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Thus, the foundation of our Society was laid, and the Pacific Rim Society for Fertility and Sterility was born. With a name change in 2013, it is now known as the Pacific Society for Reproductive Medicine (PSRM).

Our vision was shortly realized with the first meeting of the Society held on the “Big Island” of Hawaii in March, 1996. I chose this location for a number of reasons. First, Hawaii is known as a melting pot for people who can trace their ancestral roots back to Asia. Second, the meeting should be in a neutral location, not to play favoritism toward any country wanting to host this inaugural event. Finally, there is no better place to have a meeting than Hawaii with its mild tropical climate and friendly people. It is the perfect setting for both learning and relaxing at the same time.

The first meeting was structured as a post-graduate course with distinguished speakers primarily from the United States including Professors Leon Speroff, Zev Rosenwaks, and Gianpiero Palermo.
There were no abstracts and no free communications. I realized afterwards we must commit our future meetings to include more of these sessions to help foster and nurture young Asian investigators so they can be recognized and be given the credit for their hard work they so well deserve.
Now, as I reflect back over the past 20 years, I am proud that our dream of an Asian Reproductive Society is now a reality.